Laboratory techniques in the investigation of chancroid , lymphogranuloma venereum and donovanosis Eddy

Introduction Sexually transmitted diseases are not only highly prevalent in many populations of the developing world, but exhibit some special features. These include a high rate of complications and sequelae as a result of delayed or inadequate treatment, the important problem of antimicrobial resistance, particularly in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Haemophilus ducreyi, and a high frequency of genital ulcer diseases.'2 We briefly review three causes of genital ulceration which are largely confined to the developing world, though all may be seen in Europe or North America as imported cases. In addition, outbreaks of chancroid have been reported from various western countries, and the disease has become even endemic in some populations of the USA.34 It therefore is not surprising that more research has been performed recently on chancroid than on donovanosis and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) which are rare conditions in the western world.